Garmin Forerunner 305

Hitby · 16-10-2009, 10:33 AM

Hi all,
I've just been treated to one of these for my birthday that I intend to use to track my mountain biking routes and (hopefully) my fitness and weight loss. Has anyone got one and are you glad you bought it?

Also, I intend to use it with a mac, what software would you recommend? The Garmin Connect website or something else like Trailrunner?

Cheers!
Dan

themoid · 18-10-2009, 9:06 PM

hi mate, had my 305 for about 3 yrs or so, maybe longer. it's great, use if for running and cycling, and when racing (triathlon). set your HR zones up properly and its excleent for helping you train in the right HR zones, or you can just see how fast you are going. the calories reckoner is a bit out, but gives you a ball-park figure.

i use the Sporttracks (zone5) software, free to use, pretty good, better than the garmin software.

cheers
Stu

Hitby · 19-10-2009, 7:21 AM

Well, I received it and obviously, had to test it to make sure it worked before the missus put it away for my birthday (damn her

). I was really impressed, accuracy was virtually spot on, love the details that it provides as well. I have found out how unhealthy I actually am though with a max heart rate of 190 :O

My Sunday ride is tracked here - Garmin Connect - Activity Details for Sunday Ride with Matty, Cut High Cliff Climb

mmayson · 20-10-2009, 1:29 PM

Hi, I bought one and had to take it back. I used to mostly run in Central London and the signal was hopeless through the tall buildings.

Hitby · 20-10-2009, 1:35 PM

mmayson, I wonder if it was a faulty unit? Mine picks up satellites within 30 seconds from inside my living room. Granted, there arn't a lot of tall buildings here!

**Steven** · 20-10-2009, 9:52 PM

Satellite reception depends on location as trees and buildings do affect, as well as weather and other variables

I have used both Garmin and Polar and am sticking with my current Polar RS300X for running. The Polar has a separate arm GPS - which is fine as it holds signal just fine once it has locked onto 4 satellites. Garmin might be touting their built-in GPS but of course the trade off is a smaller GPS unit

mmayson · 21-10-2009, 6:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hitby

mmayson, I wonder if it was a faulty unit? Mine picks up satellites within 30 seconds from inside my living room. Granted, there arn't a lot of tall buildings here!

I got a replacement, and the replacement did exactly the same. As soon as I got away from the tall buildings it worked OK. However, it was inaccurate because of this.